You've built a successful retail business and have loyal customers coming back for more. But in today's digital world, it's time to take your business to the next level with an e-commerce app. Maybe you've thought about it but weren't sure where to start or if it was worth the investment.
💡 Spoiler alert: it absolutely is.
E-commerce apps open you up to new sales channels and give customers the convenience of shopping from their phones anytime, anywhere.
Just look at the numbers. E-commerce sales are growing 23% year over year. And 60% of all online shopping journeys now start on a mobile device. If you're not tapping into the e-commerce and mobile markets, you're leaving money on the table. The good news is building an app is more affordable and accessible than ever.
In this article, we'll explore the key advantages of launching an e-commerce app for your retail business. You'll see real examples of businesses that have built successful apps and boosted sales. And you'll discover the different e-commerce app options to find the right solution for your needs and budget. It's time to step into the future of retail and start building your e-commerce app today.
The Rise of Mobile Commerce
The prevalence of online shopping has become the new standard, accounting for 20.8% of retail transactions in 2023, and is projected to rise to 24% by 2026. As entrepreneurs look to start new businesses with little overhead, they might not think as much about renting a store in a physical place anymore. The focus now is shifting to online presences that can capture online sales.
The evolution from desktop to mobile shopping is a transformative trend, reshaping the retail landscape. In the US, mobile commerce (m-commerce) sales are anticipated to surge to $74 billion in the present year, marking a 32% increase from 2014, and are expected to reach around $149 billion by 2019. Facebook IQ, observing shifting consumer behaviors, noted that 30% of recent online purchases occurred via mobile devices (24% on phones, 6% on tablets) between January and May. This trend is reinforced by a 35% surge in mobile purchases during that period. Thus, making mobile commerce a new rising trend in the retail industry.
Key Benefits of Having an E-Commerce App for Your Business
An e-commerce app can do wonders for your brand, customer engagement, and revenue generation. Let's delve into the key benefits of embracing this digital transformation.
1> Global Reach and Accessibility
An e-commerce app erases geographical boundaries, allowing your business to reach customers all around the world. Your products or services become accessible 24/7, enabling customers to browse, shop, and make purchases at their convenience, irrespective of time zones.
2> Enhanced Customer Experience
E-commerce apps offer a personalized and user-friendly shopping experience. Through tailored recommendations and preferences, you can cater to individual customer needs, making shopping more engaging and enjoyable. Features like saved carts, wishlists, and one-click purchases streamline the process, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
3> Increased Brand Visibility
Having an app dedicated to your business strengthens your brand's visibility. The app icon on customers' devices serves as a constant reminder of your brand. Furthermore, push notifications allow you to directly engage with customers, notifying them about new products, promotions, and updates, keeping your brand at the forefront of their minds.
4> Data-Driven Insights
E-commerce apps provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. This data can be leveraged to refine your marketing strategies, product offerings, and overall business decisions. With a deeper understanding of your customers, you can create targeted campaigns that resonate with their needs.
5> Increased Conversion Rates
The seamless and intuitive user interface of an e-commerce app enhances the shopping experience and reduces friction in the purchasing process. This, in turn, leads to higher conversion rates. Features like quick checkouts, secure payment gateways, and efficient order tracking contribute to a smoother customer journey.
6> Customer Loyalty and Retention
E-commerce apps foster customer loyalty through personalized programs, exclusive discounts, and personalized rewards. By consistently delivering value to your customers, you can establish a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more. Building these relationships translates to repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
7> Cost Efficiency
Compared to maintaining a physical storefront, running an e-commerce app incurs significantly lower operational costs. You can save on expenses related to rent, utilities, and staffing. The resources saved can be reinvested into enhancing your app's features and driving marketing efforts.
8> Agile Marketing and A/B Testing
E-commerce apps offer the advantage of quick and flexible marketing campaigns. You can implement A/B testing to evaluate different strategies and refine your approach based on real-time feedback. This agility allows you to adapt to changing market trends and customer preferences effectively.
9> Competitive Edge
As e-commerce becomes increasingly integral to retail, having an app can give you a competitive edge. Businesses without an app might lose out on a significant portion of the online market. By staying ahead of the curve, you position your brand as innovative and forward-thinking.
10> Scalability and Growth
E-commerce apps can easily accommodate business growth. Whether you're expanding your product line or entering new markets, an app can scale to meet the demands of your growing customer base. This scalability ensures that your business can evolve without major disruptions.
Conclusion
Don't get left behind as your competitors gain more customers and sales through their digital storefronts. Build an e-commerce app and open your business up to new opportunities. You'll gain valuable data to better serve your customers, increase sales through more channels, and strengthen your brand by meeting customers where they already are—on their smartphones.
Want to build an e-commerce app to boost your retail business? Weighing Your E-Commerce App Development Options here!
